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EN EN
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Brussels, XXX
[…](2013) XXX draft
COMMISSION DECISION
of XXX
on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for converted
paper products
(Text with EEA relevance)
EN 2 EN
COMMISSION DECISION
of XXX
establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for converted paper
products
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel1, and in particular Article 8(2) thereof,
After consulting the European Union Eco-labelling Board,
Whereas:
(1) Under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the EU Ecolabel may be awarded to those
products with a reduced environmental impact during their entire life cycle.
(2) Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 provides that specific EU Ecolabel criteria are to be
established according to product groups.
(3) Since products having the best environmental performance should be produced with
reduced discharges of toxic or eutrophic substances into waters, reduced
environmental damage or risks related to the use of energy (global warming,
acidification, ozone depletion, depletion of non-renewable resources), reduced
environmental damage or risks related to the use of hazardous chemicals, it is
appropriate to establish EU Ecolabel criteria for the product group "converted paper".
(4) The revised criteria, as well as the related assessment and verification requirements
should be valid for three years from the date of adoption of this Decision, taking into
account the innovation cycle for this product group.
(5) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the
Committee established by Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010.
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
1. The product group "converted paper products" shall comprise the following products:
(a) envelopes and paper carrier bags that consist of at least 90 % by weight of paper,
paperboard or paper-based substrates
(b) filing product that consists of at least 70 % by weight of paper, paperboard or
paper based substrates, except for suspension files and folders with metal fastener
subcategories.
1 OJ L 27, 30.1.2010, p. 1.
Deleted: on
Comment [GM1]: This text has been added to better explain the aim of the criteria
Deleted: Since the chemicals used in the converted paper products may hinder recyclability of converted paper products, and may be hazardous for the
environment and for human health,
Deleted: taking into account the innovation cycle for this product group
Comment [GM2]: Text added to justify the time validity of the criteria
Deleted: These criteria aim at using of materials produced in a more sustainable way (considering a
life cycle analysis approach), limiting the use of hazardous compounds, the levels of hazardous
residues and the contribution of mattresses to indoor
air pollution and promoting a durable and high-quality product that is easy to repair and disassembly.
Deleted: <#>¶
Deleted: Article 1¶
Formatted: Indent: Left: 1,48 cm, No bulletsor numbering
Deleted: -19
EN 3 EN
In the case referred to in point (b), the plastic component cannot exceed 10 % except
for ring binders and lever arch files where the plastic weight cannot exceed 13 %.
Furthermore, the metal weight cannot exceed 30g per product except for suspension
files, folders with metal fasteners and ring binders where it can be up to 50g and
except for lever arch files where it can up to 120g.
2. The product group "converted paper product" shall not include the following
products:
(a) Printed paper products as included in the EU Ecolabel as established in
Commission Decision 2012/481/EU2
(b) Packaging products.
Article 2
For the purpose of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Board substrate” means paperboard, cardboard or board, that is unprinted and not
converted , as well as board intended to be printed with a basic weight higher than
400 g/m²;
(2) "Consumables" means chemical products used during the printing, coating and
finishing processes and capable of being consumed, destroyed, dissipated, wasted or
spent;
(3) “Converted paper product” is a paper-based product either printed or unprinted.
generally used to protect, handle and/or store items, for which the converting process
is an essential part of the production process, comprising three main categories of
products: envelopes, paper carrier bags and filing products;
(4) "Converting process" means a process whereby a material is processed into a
converted paper product. This process can include a printing process (pre-press,
press, and post-press operations);
(5) "Copying and graphic paper” means paper sheets or reels of not converted, unprinted
blank paper and not converted boards up to basis weight of 400 g/m²;
(6) "Halogenated organic solvent" means an organic solvent which contains at least one
atom of bromine, chlorine, fluorine or iodine per molecule;
(7) "Non-paper components" means all the parts of a converted paper product that do not
consist of paper, paperboard or paper based substrates;
(8) "Packaging" means all products made of any materials of any nature to be used for
the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods, from raw
materials to processed goods, from the producer to the user or the consumer;
(9) “Paper carrier bags” are paper based products used for the handling/transportation of
goods;
(10) “Recycling” means any recovery operation by which waste materials are
reprocessed into products, materials or substances whether for the original purpose or
other purposes, except for energy recovery and the reprocessing into materials that
are to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations.
2 Commission Decision 2012/481/EU of 16 August 2012 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the
EU Ecolabel for printed paper (OJ L 223, 21.8.2012, p. 55)
Deleted:
Deleted: In any case,
Deleted: s
Formatted: Indent: Left: 1,5 cm, No bulletsor numbering
Comment [GM3]: Definitions were changed based on comments from Commission Legal Service
Deleted: for instance recycled grey board, tinted paperboard and white cardboard. B
Deleted: also falls under this definition. Copying and graphic board with a grammage lower than 400
g/m² are not included
Deleted: . Consumables include products such as
printing inks and dyes, toners, overprinting varnishes, varnishes, adhesives, washing agents and damping
solutions;
Deleted:
Deleted: of which the converting process (e.g., cutting, folding, gluing, assembling, binding etc…) is
an essential part of the production process. It can be
Deleted: Paper being the main component, it can include several non-paper components. The general function of most converted paper
products is
Deleted: . The converted paper products category includes three main categories of products:
Deleted: Filing
Deleted: <#> such as Suspension Files, Indices & Dividers, Document Wallet, 3-Flap Folders, Ring
Binders and Lever Arch Files etc;¶
Deleted: " (or converting
Deleted: )
Deleted: <#>“Envelopes” are generally intended to contain a flat object, such as a letter or card. The ones
being closed on the short side are called “pockets”,
the ones closed by a side-flap (on the long side) are called “envelopes”;¶
Deleted: .
Deleted: Paper carrier bags can be offered or sold next to the pay-desk or sold alone as a product on its
own. Paper carrier bags are designed to be open and to be filled either at the point of purchase or
afterwards so that consumers understand the validity
of the EU Ecolabel for the paper carrier bag, and not for the goods added;
Deleted: <#>"Printed paper product" means the product resulting from the processing of a printing
material. The processing consists of printing onto paper. In addition to printing, the processing may
include finishing, for example folding, stamping and cutting or assembling, using glue, binding, yarn-
binding. Printed paper products include newspapers,
advertising materials and newssheets, journals, catalogues, books, leaflets, brochures, pads, posters,
loose-leafs, business cards, and labels;¶
Deleted: "Printing" (or printing process) means a process whereby a printing material is processed into ...
Deleted: . It includes the reprocessing of organic material but does not include
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Hanging: 0,21cm
EN 4 EN
(11) "Recycled fibres" means fibres diverted from the waste stream during a
manufacturing process or generated by end-users of the product, which can no longer
be used for their intended purpose. Excluded is reutilisation of materials generated in
a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it
(mill broke – own produced or purchased);
(12) “Folders” mean folding cases or covers for loose papers, such as Suspension Files,
Indices & Dividers, Document Wallet, 3-Flap Folders, and Square Cut Folders;
(13) ;“Binders” are paper-based products consisting of a cover, usually made of board,
with rings for holding loose papers together, such as Ring Binders and Lever Arch
Files.
(14) “Volatile Organic Compounds" (VOC) means any organic compound as well as the
fraction of creosote, having at 293,15 K a vapour pressure of 0,01 kPa or more, or
having a corresponding volatility under the particular conditions of use;
(15) "Washing agents" means chemicals used to wash printing forms and printing presses
to remove printing inks, paper dust and similar products; cleaners for finishing
machines and printing machines; printing inks removers used in washing off dried
printing inks;
(16) "Waste paper" means paper generated during the production of finished converted
paper product and which does not form part thereof.
Article 3
In order to be awarded the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, an item of
converted paper product shall fall within the product group "Converted paper product" as
defined in Article 1 of this Decision and shall comply with the criteria as well as the related
assessment and verification requirements set out in the Annex.
Article 4
The criteria for the product group "Converted paper product", as well as the related
assessment and verification requirements, shall be valid for three years from the date of
adoption of this Decision.
Article 5
For administrative purposes the code number assigned to "Converted paper product" shall be
"46".
Article 6
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels,
For the Commission
Janez POTOČNIK
Member of the Commission
Deleted: households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as
Deleted: “Stationery
Formatted: Point 0 (number), No bullets ornumbering
Formatted: Font:
Deleted: <#> paper products” mean products used to be written /drawn on, and/or to protect, store and
filing documents or loose paper. The stationery paper products include the following products:¶
“Folders” mean folding cases or covers for loose
papers, such as Suspension Files, Indices & Dividers, Document Wallet, 3-Flap Folders, and Square Cut
Folders
Deleted: ¶
Deleted: consist
Deleted: VOC" (
Deleted: (also sometimes known as cleaning agents or cleaners) means the following: (a) liquid
Deleted: , both separate (off-press) and integrated (in-press),
Deleted: (b)
Deleted: , such as cleaners to remove adhesive and
varnish residues; (c)
Deleted: . Washing agents do not include cleaning agents for cleaning other parts of the printing
machine or for cleaning other machines than printing machines and finishing machines;
Deleted: converting, printing and finishing processes, or while shaving or cutting paper or during
starting runs in the print workshop and the bindery,
Deleted: the finished converted paper product
Deleted: to this Decision
EN 5 EN
ANNEX
FRAMEWORK
The aims of the criteria
The Ecolabel criteria reflect the best environmental performing products on the market of
converted paper products. Whilst the use of chemical products and release of pollutants is part
of the production process, a product that bears the EU Ecolabel guarantees the consumer that
the use of such substances has been limited to the extent technically possible without
prejudice to the fitness for use of the final product. The use of hazardous substances is
excluded whenever possible. Derogations are granted only when there are no viable
alternatives existing on the market and, such hazardous substances are only allowed at
minimal concentrations.
Criteria
Criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to converted paper products:
1. Substrate (Paper, paperboard and board)
2. Excluded or limited substances and mixtures
3. Recyclability
4. Emissions
5. Waste
6. Energy
7. Training
8. Fitness for use
9. Information on the product
10. Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel
These criteria apply to all such processes undertaken at the site or sites or dedicated lines
where the converting paper product is converted. If there are converting, printing, coatings
and finishing processes exclusively used for ecolabelled products, criteria 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 shall
apply only to those processes.
The ecological criteria do not cover the transport of raw materials, consumables and final
products.
Criterion 1 applies only to substrates used in the final converted paper product.
Criteria 3, 8, 9 and 10 apply to the final converted paper product.
Criterion 2 applies both to the non-paper components of the converted paper product and to
the converting, printing, coating and finishing processes of the paper components.
Criteria 4, 5, 6 and 7 apply to the converting, printing, coating and finishing processes of the
paper components only.
The specific assessment and verification requirements are indicated within each criterion.
All printing or converting on the converting paper product shall fulfil the criteria. Parts of the
product that are printed or converted by a sub-contractor shall therefore also fulfil the related
Deleted: In particular the criteria for converted paper are more ambitious than any other paper-related
Ecolabel criteria in terms of fibers sustainability,
introducing a relatively high percentage of fibers that should either by certified or recycled. Moreover, the
criteria aim at reducing discharges of toxic or
eutrophic substances into waters, reducing environmental damage or risks related to the use of
energy (global warming, acidification, ozone
depletion, depletion of non-renewable resources) by reducing energy consumption and related emissions
to air, at reducing environmental damage or risks
related to the use of hazardous chemicals. The criteria aim also at promoting the environmental efficiency of
de inkability and recyclability for converted paper
products, the reduction of VOC emissions, the reduction or prevention of risks for the environment
and for human health related to the use of hazardous substances. ¶
Deleted: These criteria are set for each of the following aspects
Formatted: Outline numbered + Level: 1 +Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 +Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0 cm + Tab after: 1,5 cm + Indent at: 1,5 cm
Formatted: Indent: Left: -0,23 cm
Deleted: Criterion 1 applies only to substrates used in the final converted paper product.¶
Criteria 3, 8, 9 and 10 apply to the final converted
paper product.¶Criterion 2 applies both to the non-paper components
of the converted paper product and to the converting,
printing, coating and finishing processes of the paper components.¶
Criteria 4, 5, 6 and 7 apply to the converting, printing,
coating and finishing processes of the paper components only.¶
Deleted: Assessment and verification
requirements¶
Formatted: Font: Not Italic
EN 6 EN
requirements. The application shall include a list of all the printing houses and subcontractors
involved in the production of the converted paper, and their geographic locations.
The applicant shall provide a list of chemical products used in the printing house for the
production of the converted paper products. This requirement applies to all consumables used
during the converting, printing, coating and finishing processes. The list provided by the
applicant shall include the amount, function and supplier of any chemical product used,
together with the Safety Data Sheet, designed in accordance with the guidance in sections 10,
11 and 12 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the
Council3.
Where the applicant is required to provide declarations, documentation, analyses, test reports,
or other evidence to show compliance with the criteria, it is understood that those may
originate from the applicant and/or his supplier(s) and/or their supplier(s), as appropriate.
Where appropriate, test methods other than those indicated for each criterion may be used if
their equivalence is accepted by the competent body assessing the application.
Competent Bodies shall preferentially recognise tests which are accredited according to ISO
17025 and verifications performed by bodies which are accredited under the EN 45011
standard or an equivalent international standard.
Where appropriate, competent bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry
out independent verifications.
Criterion 1 – Substrate
PART A – PAPER Substrate
Part A1: Where the converted paper product is made of copying and graphic paper, the paper
shall bear the EU Ecolabel as established in Commission Decision 2011/333/EU4.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the specifications of the converted
paper products concerned, including the trade names, amounts and weight/m2 of the paper
used. The list shall also include the names of the suppliers of the papers used. The applicant
shall provide a copy of a valid EU Ecolabel certificate for the paper used.
Part A2: Paper which is not in the scope of copying and graphic paper (for example Kraft
paper) shall be in conformity with the criteria 1 to 5 as established in Commission Decision
2011/333/EU.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the specifications of the converted
paper products concerned, including the trade names, amounts and weight/m2 of the paper
used. The list shall also include the names of the suppliers of the papers used. Conformity
shall be proven for each substrate.
PART B – BOARD Substrate
Criterion B1 – Emissions to water and to air
(a) COD, Sulphur, NOx, Phosphorous
For each of these parameters, the emissions to air and/or water from the pulp, the laminating
papers and the board production shall be expressed in terms of points (PCOD, PS, PNOx, PP) as
detailed below.
3 Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),
establishing a European Chemicals Agency (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1) 4 Commission Decision 2011/333/EU of 7 June 2011 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the
EU Ecolabel for copying and graphic paper (OJ L 149, 8.6.2011, p. 12)
Deleted: of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. ¶
Formatted: Font: Not Italic
Deleted:
Deleted:
EN 7 EN
None of the individual points PCOD, PS, PNOx, PP shall exceed 1,5.
The total number of points (Ptotal = PCOD + PS + PNOx + PP ) shall not exceed 4,0.
The calculation of P COD shall be made as follows (the calculations of PS, PNOx, PP shall be
made in exactly the same manner).
For each pulp ‘i’, or each laminating paper, ‘i’ used, the related measured COD emissions
(CODpulp, i or CODpaper, i expressed in kg/air dried tonne — ADT), shall be weighted according
to the proportion of each pulp or laminating paper used (pulp ‘i’, or paper ‘i’, with respect to
air dried tonne of pulp, or paper), and summed together. The weighted COD emission for the
pulps, or laminating papers, is then added to the measured COD emission from the board
production to give a total COD emission, CODtotal.
The weighted COD reference value for the pulp production or laminating paper production
shall be calculated in the same manner, as the sum of the weighted reference values for each
pulp or laminating paper used and added to the reference value for the board production to
give a total COD reference value CODref, total. The reference values for each pulp or laminating
paper type used and for the board production are given in the Table 1.
Finally, the total COD emission shall be divided by the total COD reference value as follows:
=
Table 1
Reference values for emissions from different pulp types and from board production
Pulp Grade/Board Emissions (kg/ADT) (*)
COD reference S reference NOx reference P reference
Bleached Chemical pulp (others than
sulphite)
18 0,6 1,6 0,045 (*)
Bleached Chemical pulp (sulphite) 25,0 0,6 1,6 0,045
Unbleached chemical pulp 10,0 0,6 1,6 0,04
CTMP 15,0 0,2 0,3 0,01
TMP/groundwood pulp 3,0 0,2 0,3 0,01
Recycled fibres pulp 2,0 0,2 0,3 0,01
Laminating bleached kraft paper 19 0,9 2,4 0,055
Laminating unbleached kraft paper 11 0,9 2,4 0,055
Laminating recycled paper 3 0,5 1,1 0,02
Board Production (non-integrated mills
where all pulps used are purchased market
pulps)
1 0,3 0,8 0,01
Board Production (integrated mills) 1 0,3 0,7 0,01
(*) Exemption from this level, up to a level of 0,1 shall be given where it can be demonstrated
EN 8 EN
that the higher level of P is due to P naturally occurring in the wood pulp.
In case of a co-generation of heat and electricity at the same plant the emissions of S and NOx
resulting from electricity generation can be subtracted from the total amount. The following
equation can be used to calculate the proportion of the emissions resulting from electricity
generation:
2 × (MWh(electricity))/[2 × MWh(electricity) + MWh(heat)]
The electricity in this calculation is the electricity produced at the co-generation plant.
The heat in this calculation is the net heat delivered from the power plant to the
pulp/laminating paper/board production.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide detailed calculations showing
compliance with this criterion, together with related supporting documentation which shall
include test reports using the following test methods: COD: ISO 6060; NOx: ISO 11564;
S(oxid.): EPA no.8; S(red.): EPA no 16A; S content in oil: ISO 8754; S content in coal: ISO
351; P: EN ISO 6878, APAT IRSA CNR 4110 or Dr Lange LCK 349.
The supporting documentation shall include an indication of the measurement frequency and
the calculation of the points for COD, S and NOx. It shall include all emissions of S and NOx
which occur during the production of pulp, laminating paper and board, including steam
generated outside the production site, except those emissions related to the production of
electricity. Measurements shall include recovery boilers, lime kilns, steam boilers and
destructor furnaces for strong smelling gases. Diffuse emissions shall be taken into account.
Reported emission values for S to air shall include both oxidised and reduced S emissions
(dimethyl sulphide, methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulphide and the like). The S emissions
related to the heat energy generation from oil, coal and other external fuels with known S
content may be calculated instead of measured, and shall be taken into account.
Measurements of emissions to water shall be taken on unfiltered and unsettled samples either
after treatment at the plant or after treatment by a public treatment plant. The period for the
measurements shall be based on the production during 12 months. In case of a new or a
rebuilt production plant, the measurements shall be based on at least 45 subsequent days of
stable running of the plant. The measurement shall be representative of the respective
campaign.
In case of integrated mills, due to the difficulties in getting separate emission figures for pulp,
laminating paper and board, if only a combined figure for pulp, laminating paper and board
production is available, the emission values for pulp(s) shall be set to zero and the figure for
the board mill shall include pulp, laminating paper and board production.
(b) AOX
The weighted average value of AOX released from the productions of the pulps used in the
substrate shall not exceed 0, 170 kg/ADT board.
AOX emissions from each individual pulp used in the board shall not exceed 0, 250 kg/ADT
pulp.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide test reports using the following test
method: AOX ISO 9562 accompanied by detailed calculations showing compliance with this
criterion, together with related supporting documentation.
The supporting documentation shall include an indication of the measurement frequency.
AOX shall only be measured in processes where chlorine compounds are used for the
bleaching of the pulp. AOX need not be measured in the effluent from non-integrated board
Deleted: must
Deleted: must
EN 9 EN
production or in the effluents from pulp production without bleaching or where the bleaching
is performed with chlorine-free substances.
Measurements shall be taken on unfiltered and unsettled samples either after treatment at the
plant or after treatment by a public treatment plant. The period for the measurements shall be
based on the production during 12 months. In case of a new or a re-built production plant, the
measurements shall be based on at least 45 subsequent days of stable running of the plant.
The measurement shall be representative of the respective campaign.
(c) CO2
The emissions of carbon dioxide from non-renewable sources shall not exceed 1 000 kg per
tonne of board produced, including emissions from the production of electricity (whether on-
site or off-site). For non-integrated mills (where all pulps used are purchased market pulps)
the emissions shall not exceed 1100 kg per tonne. The emissions shall be calculated as the
sum of the emissions from the pulp and board production.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide detailed calculations showing
compliance with this criterion, together with related supporting documentation.
The applicant shall provide data on the air emissions of carbon dioxide. This shall include all
sources of non-renewable fuels during the production of pulp and board, including the
emissions from the production of electricity (whether on-site or off-site).
The following emission factors shall be used in the calculation of the CO2 emissions from
fuels:
Table 2
Fuel CO2 fossil emission Unit
Coal 95 g CO2 fossil/MJ
Crude oil 73 g CO2 fossil/MJ
Fuel oil 1 74 g CO2 fossil/MJ
Fuel oil 2-5 77 g CO2 fossil/MJ
LGP 69 g CO2 fossil/MJ
Natural Gas 56 g CO2 fossil/MJ
Grid Electricity 400 g CO2 fossil/kWh
The period for the calculations or mass balances shall be based on the production during 12
months. In case of a new or a rebuilt production plant, the calculations shall be based on at
least 45 subsequent days of stable running of the plant. The calculations shall be
representative of the respective campaign.
For grid electricity, the value quoted in the table above (the European average) shall be used
unless the applicant presents documentation establishing the average value for their suppliers
of electricity (contracting supplier or national average), in which case the applicant may use
this value instead of the value quoted in the table.
The amount of energy from renewable sources5 purchased and used for the production
processes will not be considered in the calculation of the CO2 emissions: appropriate
5 As defined in Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 140,
5.6.2009, p.16).
EN 10 EN
documentation that this kind of energy are actually used at the mill or are externally
purchased shall be provided by the applicant.
Criterion B2 — Energy use
(a) Electricity
The electricity consumption related to the pulp, laminating paper and the board production
shall be expressed in terms of points (PE) as detailed below.
The number of points, PE , shall be less than or equal to 1,5.
The calculation of PE shall be made as follows.
Calculation for pulp or laminating paper production: For each pulp, laminating paper i used,
the related electricity consumption (Epulp or laminated paper, i expressed in kWh/ADT) shall be
calculated as follows:
Epulp or laminating paper, i = Internally produced electricity + purchased electricity – sold electricity
Calculation for board production: Similarly, the electricity consumption related to the board
production (Eboard) shall be calculated as follows:
Eboard = Internally produced electricity + purchased electricity – sold electricity
Finally, the points for pulp, laminating paper and board production shall be combined to give
the overall number of points (PE) as follows:
In case of integrated mills, due to the difficulties in getting separate electricity figures for
pulp, laminating paper and board, where only a combined figure for pulp, laminating paper
and board production is available, the electricity values for pulp(s) shall be set to zero and the
figure for the board mill shall include pulp, laminating paper and board production.
(b) Fuel (heat)
The fuel consumption related to the pulp, laminating paper and the board production shall be
expressed in terms of points (PF) as detailed below.
The number of points, PF, shall be less than or equal to 1,5.
The calculation of PF shall be made as follows.
Calculation for pulp or laminating paper production: For each pulp, laminating paper i used,
the related fuel consumption (Fpulp or laminated paper, i expressed in kWh/ADT) shall be calculated
as follows:
Fpulp or laminating paper, i = Internally produced fuel + purchased fuel – sold fuel – 1,25 × internally
produced electricity
Note:
Fpulp or laminating paper, i (and its contribution to PF, pulp or laminating paper) need not be calculated for
mechanical pulp unless it is market air dried mechanical pulp containing at least 90 % dry
matter.
The amount of fuel used to produce the sold heat shall be added to the term ‘sold fuel’ in the
equation above.
Deleted: if
EN 11 EN
Calculation for board production: Similarly the fuel consumption related to the board
production (Fboard, expressed in kWh/ADT), shall be calculated as follows:
Fboard = Internally produced fuel + purchased fuel – sold fuel – 1,25 × internally produced
electricity
Finally, the points for pulp and board production shall be combined to give the overall
number of points (PF) as follows:
Table 3
Reference values for electricity and fuel
Pulp grade Fuel kWh/ADT
Freference
Electricity kWh/ADT
Ereference
Chemical pulp 4000
(Note: for air dry market pulp
containing at least 90% dry mater
(admp), this value may be upgraded
by 25% for the drying energy)
800
Mechanical pulp 900
(Note: this value is only applicable
for admp)
1900
CTMP 1000 2000
Recycled fibre pulp 1800
(Note: for admp, this value may be
upgraded by 25% for the drying
energy)
800
Laminating kraft paper
( bleached or unbleached)
6100 1600
Laminating recycled paper 3900 1600
Board production 2100 800
Assessment and verification (for both (a) and (b)): the applicant shall provide detailed
calculations showing compliance with this criterion, together with all related supporting
documentation. Reported details shall therefore include the total electricity and fuel
consumption.
The applicant shall calculate all energy inputs, divided into heat/fuels and electricity used
during the production of pulp and board, including the energy used in the de-inking of waste
papers for the production of recycled board. Energy used in the transport of raw materials, as
well as conversion and packaging, is not included in the energy consumption calculations.
Total heat energy includes all purchased fuels. It also includes heat energy recovered by
incinerating liquors and wastes from on-site processes (e.g. wood waste, sawdust, liquors,
waste paper, paper broke), as well as heat recovered from the internal generation of
Deleted: The
EN 12 EN
electricity — however, the applicant need only count 80 % of the heat energy from such
sources when calculating the total heat energy.
Electric energy means net imported electricity coming from the grid and internal generation
of electricity measured as electric power. Electricity used for wastewater treatment need not
be included.
Where steam is generated using electricity as the heat source, the heat value of the steam
shall be calculated, then divided by 0,8 and added to the total fuel consumption.
In case of integrated mills, due to the difficulties in getting separate fuel (heat) figures for
pulp, laminating paper and board, if only a combined figure for pulp, laminating paper and
board production is available, the fuel (heat) values for pulp(s) shall be set to zero and the
figure for the board mill shall include pulp, laminating paper and board production.
Criterion B3 — Fibres: sustainable forest management
The fibre raw material in the board may be recycled or virgin fibre.
Virgin fibres shall be covered by valid sustainable forest management and chain of custody
certificates issued by an independent third party certification scheme such as FSC, PEFC or
equivalent.
However, where certification schemes allow mixing of certified material, recycled materials
and uncertified material in a product or product line, the proportion of uncertified virgin
material shall not exceed 30 % of the total fibre raw material. Such uncertified material shall
be covered by a verification system which ensures that it is legally sourced and meets any
other requirement of the certification scheme with respect to uncertified material.
The certification bodies issuing forest and/or chain of custody certificates shall be
accredited/recognised by that certification scheme.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide appropriate documentation
indicating the types, quantities and origins of fibres used in the pulp and the board
production.
Where virgin fibres are used, the product shall be covered by valid forest management and
chain of custody certificates issued by an independent third party certification scheme, such
as PEFC, FSC or equivalent. If the product or product line includes uncertified material,
proof should be provided that the uncertified material is less than 50 % and is covered by a
verification system which ensures that it is legally sourced and meets any other requirement
of the certification scheme with respect to uncertified material.
Where recycled fibres are used, the applicant shall provide a declaration stating the average
amount of grades of recovered paper used for the product in accordance with the standard
EN 643 or an equivalent standard. The applicant shall provide a declaration that no mill
broke (own or purchased) was used for the percentage calculation.
Criterion B4 — Excluded or limited substances and mixtures
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall supply a list of the chemical products used
in the pulp and board production, together with appropriate documentation (such as SDSs).
This list shall include the quantity, function and suppliers of all the substances used in the
production process.
(a) Hazardous substances and mixtures
In accordance with Article 6(6) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 the board shall not contain
substances referred to in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 nor substances or Deleted: of the European Parliament and of the Council
EN 13 EN
mixtures meeting the criteria for classification with the hazard classes or categories specified
below.
List of hazard statements and risk phrases:
Hazard Statement1
Risk Phrase2
H300 Fatal if swallowed R28
H301 Toxic if swallowed R25
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways R65
H310 Fatal in contact with skin R27
H311 Toxic in contact with skin R24
H330 Fatal if inhaled R26
H331 Toxic if inhaled R23
H340 May cause genetic defects R46
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects R68
H350 May cause cancer R45
H350i May cause cancer by inhalation R49
H351 Suspected of causing cancer R40
H360F May damage fertility R60
H360D May damage the unborn child R61
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child R60; R61; R60-61
H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn
child
R60-R63
H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging
fertility
R61-R62
H361f Suspected of damaging fertility R62
H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child R63
Hazard Statement1
Risk Phrase2
H361fd Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the
unborn child
R62-63
H362 May cause harm to breast fed children R64
H370 Causes damage to organs R39/23; R39/24; R39/25;
R39/26; R39/27; R39/28
H371 May cause damage to organs R68/20; R68/21; R68/22
EN 14 EN
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated
exposure
R48/25; R48/24; R48/23
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated
exposure
R48/20; R48/21; R48/22
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life R50
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R50-53
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R51-53
H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R52-53
H413 May cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic life R53
EUH059 Hazardous to the ozone layer R59
EUH029 Contact with water liberates toxic gas R29
EUH031 Contact with acids liberates toxic gas R31
EUH032 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas R32
EUH070 Toxic by eye contact R39-41
No commercial dye formulation, colorants, surface-finishing
agents, auxiliaries and coating materials shall be used on either pulp
or board that has been assigned or may be assigned at the time of
application the hazard statement H317: May cause allergic skin
reaction.
R43
1 As provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the
Council
2 As provided for in Council Directive 67/548/EEC
2 As provided for in Council Directive 67/548/EEC
The use of substances or mixtures which change their properties upon processing (e.g.
become no longer bioavailable, undergo chemical modification) so that the identified hazard
no longer applies are exempted from the above requirement.
Concentration limits for substances or mixtures which may be or have been assigned the
hazard statements or risk phrase listed above, meeting the criteria for classification in the
hazard classes or categories, and for substances meeting the criteria of Article 57(a), (b) or (c)
of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, shall not exceed the generic or specific concentration
limits determined in accordance with the Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the
European Parliament and of the Council6
. Where specific concentration limits are determined they shall prevail over the generic ones.
Concentration limits for substances meeting criteria of Article 57 d), (e) or (f) of Regulation
(EC) No 1907/2006 shall not exceed 0,10 % weight by weight.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall prove compliance with the criterion
providing data on the amount (kg/ADT board produced) of substances used in the process
6 Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 13)
EN 15 EN
and that the substances referred to in this criterion are not retained in the final product above
concentration limits specified. The concentration for substances and mixtures shall be
specified in the Safety Data Sheets in accordance with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006.
(b) Substances listed in accordance with Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006
No derogation from the prohibition set out in point (a) Article 6(6) of Regulation (EC) No
66/2010 shall be granted concerning substances identified as substances of very high concern
and included in the list provided for Article 59 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, present in
mixtures, in an article or in any homogenous part of a complex article in concentrations
higher than 0,10 %. Specific concentration limits determined in accordance with Article 10 of
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall apply in case it is lower than 0,10 %.
Assessment and verification: the list of substances identified as substances of very high
concern and included in the candidate list in accordance with Article 59 of Regulation (EC)
No 1907/2006 can be found here:
http://echa.europa.eu/chem_data/authorisation_process/candidate_list_table_en.asp
Reference to the list shall be made on the date of application.
The applicant shall prove compliance with the criterion providing data on the amount
(kg/ADT board produced) of substances used in the process and that the substances referred
to in this criterion are not retained in the final product above concentration limits specified.
The concentration shall be specified in the safety data sheets in accordance with Article 31 of
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
(c) Chlorine
Chlorine gas shall not be used as a bleaching agent. This requirement does not apply to
chlorine gas related to the production and use of chlorine dioxide.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration from the pulp
producer(s) that chlorine gas has not been used as a bleaching agent. Note: while this
requirement also applies to the bleaching of recycled fibres, it is accepted that the fibres in
their previous life-cycle may have been bleached with chlorine gas.
(d) APEOs
Alkylphenol ethoxylates or other alkylphenol derivatives shall not be added to cleaning
chemicals, de-inking chemicals, foam inhibitors, dispersants or coatings. Alkylphenol
derivatives are defined as substances that upon degradation produce alkyl phenols.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration(s) from their chemical
supplier(s) that alkylphenol ethoxylates or other alkylphenol derivatives have not been added
to these products.
(e) Residual monomers
The total quantity of residual monomers (excluding acrylamide) that may be or have been
assigned any of the following risk phrases (or combinations thereof) and are present in
coatings, retention aids, strengtheners, water repellents or chemicals used in internal and
external water treatment shall not exceed 100 ppm (calculated on the basis of their solid
content):
Hazard Statement1
Risk Phrase2
EN 16 EN
H340 May cause genetic defects R46
H350 May cause cancer R45
H350i May cause cancer by inhalation R49
H351 Suspected of causing cancer R40
H360F May damage fertility R60
H360D May damage the unborn child R61
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child R60; R61; R60-61
H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn
child
R60-R63
H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging
fertility
R61-R62
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life R50
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R50-53
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R51-53
H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R52-53
H413 May cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic life R53
1 As provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
2 As provided for in Council Directive 67/548/EEC
Acrylamide shall not be present in coatings, retention aids, strengtheners, water repellents or
chemicals used in internal and external water treatment in concentrations higher than 700 ppm
(calculated on the basis of their solid content).
The competent body may exempt the applicant from these requirements in relation to
chemicals used in external water treatment.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide from their chemical supplier(s) a
declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with appropriate documentation (such
as Safety Data Sheets).
(f) Surfactants in de-inking
All surfactants used in de-inking shall be ultimately biodegradable.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide from their chemical supplier(s) a
declaration of compliance with this criterion together with the relevant safety data sheets or
test reports for each surfactant which shall indicate the test method, threshold and conclusion
stated, using one of the following test method and pass levels: OECD 302 A-C (or equivalent
ISO standards), with a percentage degradation (including adsorption) within 28 days of at
least 70 % for 302 A and B, and of at least 60 % for 302 C.
(g) Biocides:
The active components in biocides or biostatic agents used to counter slime-forming
organisms in circulation water systems containing fibres shall not be potentially bio-
EN 17 EN
accumulative. Biocides’ bioaccumulation potentials are characterised by log Pow (log
octanol/water partition coefficient) < 3.0 or an experimentally determined bioconcentration
factor (BCF) ≤ 100.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide from their chemical supplier(s) a
declaration of compliance with this criterion together with the relevant material safety data
sheet or test report which shall indicate the test method, threshold and conclusion stated,
using the following test methods: OECD 107, 117 or 305 A-E.
(h) Azo dyes
Azo dyes that may cleave to any of the following aromatic amines shall not be used, in
accordance with Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006:
1. 4-aminobiphenyl
(92-67-1)
2. benzidine
(92-87-5)
3. 4-chloro-o-toluidine
(95-69-2)
4. 2-naphthylamine
(91-59-8)
5. o-aminoazotoluene (97-56-3)
6. 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene
(99-55-8)
7. p-chloroaniline
(106-47-8)
8. 2,4-diaminoanisole
(615-05-4)
9. 4,4’-diaminodiphenylmethane
(101-77-9)
10. 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine
(91-94-1)
11. 3,3’-dimethoxybenzidine
(119-90-4)
12. 3,3’-dimethylbenzidine
(119-93-7)
13. 3,3’-dimethyl-4,4’-diaminodiphenylmethane
(838-88-0)
14. p-cresidine
(120-71-8)
15. 4,4’-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline)
(101-14-4)
16. 4,4’-oxydianiline
(101-80-4)
17. 4,4’-thiodianiline
(139-65-1)
18. o-toluidine
(95-53-4)
19. 2,4-diaminotoluene
(95-80-7)
20. 2,4,5-trimethylaniline
(137-17-7)
21. 4-aminoazobenzene
(60-09-3)
22. o-anisidine
(90-04-0)
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide from their chemical supplier(s) a
declaration of compliance with this criterion.
(i) Metal complex dye stuffs or pigments
EN 18 EN
Dyes or pigments based on lead, copper, chromium, nickel or aluminium shall not be used.
Copper phthalocyanine dyes or pigments may, however, be used.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide from their chemical supplier(s) a
declaration of compliance.
(j) Ionic impurities in dye stuffs
The levels of ionic impurities in the dye stuffs used shall not exceed the following: Ag 100
ppm; As 50 ppm; Ba 100 ppm; Cd 20 ppm; Co 500 ppm; Cr 100 ppm; Cu 250 ppm; Fe 2 500
ppm; Hg 4 ppm; Mn 1 000 ppm; Ni 200 ppm; Pb 100 ppm; Se 20 ppm; Sb 50 ppm; Sn 250
ppm; Zn 1 500 ppm.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance.
Criterion B5 — Waste management
All pulp and board production sites shall have a system for handling waste (as defined by the
relevant regulatory authorities of the pulp and board production sites in question) and residual
products arising from the production of the eco-labelled product. The system shall be
documented or explained in the application and include information on at least the following
points:
– procedures for separating and using recyclable materials from the waste stream,
– procedures for recovering materials for other uses, such as incineration for raising
process steam or heating, or agricultural use,
– procedures for handling hazardous waste (as defined by the relevant regulatory
authorities of the pulp and board production sites in question).
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a detailed description of the
procedures adopted for the waste management of each of the sites concerned and a
declaration of compliance with the criterion.
Criteria applicable to converting processes
Criterion 2 – Excluded or limited substances and mixtures
(a) Hazardous substances and mixtures
Consumables that could end up in the final converted paper product, and that contain
substances and/or mixtures meeting the criteria for classification with the hazard statements or
risk phrases specified below in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 or Council
Directive 67/548/EEC or substances referred to in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council shall not be used for printing,
coating, and finishing operations of the final converted paper product.
This requirement shall not apply to toluene for use in rotogravure printing processes where a
closed or encapsulated installation or recovery system, or any equivalent system, is in place to
control and monitor fugitive emissions and where the recovery efficiency is at least 92 %. UV
varnishes and UV inks classified H412/R52-53 are also exempted from this requirement.
The non-paper components that are part of the final paper product shall not contain the
substances referred to above.
List of hazard statements and risk phrases:
Hazard Statement1
Risk Phrase2
Deleted: of the European Parliament and of the Council
EN 19 EN
H300 Fatal if swallowed R28
H301 Toxic if swallowed R25
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways R65
H310 Fatal in contact with skin R27
H311 Toxic in contact with skin R24
H330 Fatal if inhaled R26
H331 Toxic if inhaled R23
H340 May cause genetic defects R46
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects R68
H350 May cause cancer R45
H350i May cause cancer by inhalation R49
H351 Suspected of causing cancer R40
H360F May damage fertility R60
H360D May damage the unborn child R61
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn
child
R60; R61; R60/61
H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the
unborn child
R60; R63
H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of
damaging fertility
R61; R62
H361f Suspected of damaging fertility R62
H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child R63
H361fd Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of
damaging the unborn child
R62-63
H362 May cause harm to breast fed children R64
H370 Causes damage to organs R39/23; R39/24; R39/25;
R39/26; R39/27; R39/28
H371 May cause damage to organs R68/20; R68/21; R68/22
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or R48/25; R48/24; R48/23
EN 20 EN
repeated exposure
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or
repeated exposure
R48/20; R48/21; R48/22
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life R50
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R50/53
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R51/53
H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects R52/53
H413 May cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic life R53
EUH059 Hazardous to the ozone layer R59
EUH029 Contact with water liberates toxic gas R29
EUH031 Contact with acids liberates toxic gas R31
EUH032 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas R32
EUH070 Toxic by eye contact R39/41
1 As provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
2 As provided for in Council Directive 67/548/EEC
Substances or mixtures which change their properties upon processing (e.g., become no
longer bioavailable, undergo chemical modification) so that the identified hazard no longer
applies are exempted from the above requirement.
Concentration limits for substances which may be, or have been, assigned the hazard
statements or risk phrase listed above or which meet the criteria for classification in the
hazard classes or categories, and concentration limits for substances meeting the criteria of
Article 57 (a), (b) or (c) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, shall not exceed the generic or
specific concentration limits determined in accordance with the Article 10 of Regulation (EC)
No 1272/2008. Where specific concentration limits are determined they shall prevail over the
generic ones.
Concentration limits for substances meeting criteria set out in Article 57(d), (e) or (f) of
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall not exceed 0,10 % weight by weight.
Assessment and verification: for substances not already classified in accordance with
Regulation 1272/2008, the applicant shall prove compliance with these criteria by providing:
(i) a declaration that the non-paper components that are part of the final product do not
contain the substances referred to in these criteria in concentration above the authorised
limits; (ii) a declaration that no consumables used for printing, coating, and finishing
operations of the final converted paper product do not contain the substances referred to in
these criteria in concentration above the authorised limits; (iii) a list of all consumables used
for the printing, finishing and coating of the converted paper products. This list shall include
the quantity, function and suppliers of all the consumables used in the production process.
The applicant shall demonstrate compliance with this criterion by providing a declaration
from their chemical supplier(s) on the non-classification of each substance into any of the
Deleted: For
EN 21 EN
hazard classes associated to the hazard statements referred to in the above list in accordance
with Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, as far as this can be determined, as a minimum, from the
information meeting the requirements listed in Annex VII of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. This
declaration shall be supported by summarized information on the relevant characteristics
associated to the hazard statements referred to in the above list, to the level of detail specified
in section 10, 11 and 12 of Annex II of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (Requirements for the
Compilation of Safety Data Sheets).
Information on intrinsic properties of substances may be generated by means other than tests,
for instance through the use of alternative methods such as in vitro methods, by quantitative
structure activity models or by the use of grouping or read-across in accordance with Annex
XI of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. The sharing of relevant data is strongly encouraged.
The information provided shall relate to the forms or physical states of the substance or
mixtures as used in the final product.
For substances listed in Annexes IV and V of REACH, exempted from registration obligations
under Article 2(7)(a) and (b) of Regulation 1907/2006 REACH, a declaration to this effect
will suffice to comply with the requirements set out above.
The applicant shall provide appropriate documentation on the recovery efficiency of the
closed/encapsulated installation/recovery system, or any equivalent system, that has been put
in place to deal with the use of toluene in rotogravure printing processes.
(b) Substances listed in accordance with Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006
No derogation from the prohibition set out in point (a) Article 6(6) of Regulation (EC) No
66/2010 shall be granted concerning substances identified as substances of very high concern
and included in the list provided for in Article 59 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, present
in mixtures in concentrations higher than 0,1%. Specific concentration limits determined in
accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall apply where the
concentration is lower than 0,10%.
Assessment and verification: the list of substances identified as substances of very high
concern and included in the candidate list in accordance with Article 59 of Regulation (EC)
No 1907/2006 can be found here:
http://echa.europa.eu/chem_data/authorisation_process/candidate_list_table_en.asp
Reference to the list shall be made on the date of application.
The applicant shall prove compliance with the criterion providing data on the amount of
substances used for the printing of the converted paper products and a declaration stating
that the substances referred to in this criterion are not retained in the final product above the
concentration limits specified. The concentration shall be specified in the safety data sheets in
accordance with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
(c) Biocides
Biocides, either as part of the formulation or as part of any mixture included in the
formulation, that are used to preserve the product and that are classified H410/R50-53 or
H411/R51-53 in accordance with Directive 67/548/EEC, Directive 1999/45/EC or Regulation
(EC) No 1272/2008, are permitted only if their bioaccumulation potentials are characterised
by log Pow (log octanol/water partition coefficient) <3.0 or an experimentally determined
bioconcentration factor (BCF) ≤100.
EN 22 EN
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide copies of the material safety data
sheets for all biocides used during the different production stages, together with a
documentation of the concentrations of the biocides in the final product.
(d) Washing agents
Washing agents used for cleaning in printing processes and/or sub-processes that contain
aromatic hydrocarbon shall only be allowed if they are in compliance with point 2(b) and if
one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
(i) The amount of aromatic hydrocarbons in the washing agent products used does not exceed
0.10 % (w/w);
(ii) The amount of aromatic hydrocarbon-based washing agent used annually does not exceed
5 % of the total amount of washing agent used in one calendar year.
This criterion shall not apply to toluene used as washing agent in rotogravure printing.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the Safety Data Sheet for each
washing agent used in a printing house during the year to which the annual consumption
refers. The washing agent suppliers shall provide declarations of the aromatic hydrocarbon
contents in the washing agents.
(e) Alkyl phenol ethoxylates – Halogenated solvents – Phthalates
The following substances or preparations shall not be added to inks, dyes, toners, adhesives,
or washing agents or other cleaning chemicals used for the printing of the converted paper
product:
– Alkyl phenol ethoxylates and their derivatives that may produce alkyl phenols by
degradation.
– Halogenated solvents that at the time of application are classified in the hazard or
risk categories listed in point 2(a).
– Phthalates that at the time of application are classified with risk phrases H360F,
H360D, H361f in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with
this criterion.
(f) Printing inks, toners, inks, varnishes, foils and laminates
The following heavy metals or their compounds shall not be used as printing inks, toners,
inks, varnishes, foils and laminates (whether as a substance or as part of any preparation
used): cadmium, copper (excluding copper-phthalocyanine), lead, nickel, chromium VI,
mercury, arsenic, soluble barium, selenium, antimony. Cobalt can only be used up to 0.10%
(w/w)
Ingredients may contain traces of those metals up to 0,010 % (w/w) deriving from impurities
in the raw materials.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with
this criterion as well as declarations from ingredient suppliers.
(g) Metal components
Metals shall not be coated with cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc, mercury, lead, tin and their
compounds.
EN 23 EN
The surface treatment of metal surfaces with nickel or zinc can be accepted for small parts
(such as rivet, eyelet, and flat bar mechanisms) where this is necessary due to heavy physical
wear.
Both nickel plating and zinc galvanisation shall make use of wastewater treatment, ion
exchange technology, membrane technology or equal technology in order to recycle the
chemical products as much as possible.
Emissions from surface treatment shall be recycled and destroyed. The system shall be closed
without drainage, with an exception for zinc where the emission can be a maximum of 0.50
mg/l.
The chemical products used in the surface treatment must be in compliance with the criteria 2
(c) Biocides and 2 (e) Alkyl phenol ethoxylates – Halogenated solvents - Phthalates.
This requirement applies to each separate metal-type component exceeding 10% by weight of
the final products in the subcategory of suspension file, folders with metal fastener, ring
binder and lever arch file.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with
this criterion.
Criterion 3 – Recyclability
The converted paper product shall be recyclable. The non-paper components of the converted
paper product shall be easily removable to ensure that those components will not hinder the
recycling process.
(a) Wet strength agents may be used only if the recyclability of the finished product can
be proved.
(b) Non-soluble adhesives may be used only if their removability can be proved.
(c) Coating varnishes and lamination, including polyethene and/or
polyethene/polypropylene, may be used only for binders and folders.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the test result of the recyclability for
wet strength agents and removability for adhesives. The reference test methods are PTS
method PTS-RH 021/97 (for wet strength agents), INGEDE Method 12 (for non-soluble
adhesive removability), or equivalent test methods. The applicant shall provide a declaration
that coated and laminated converted paper products are in compliance with point 3(c). Where
a part of a converted paper product is easily removable (for instance a metal bar in a
suspension file), the recyclability test may be made without this component. The easiness of
removal of the non-paper components shall be proven via a declaration of the paper
collecting company, the recycling company or an equivalent organisation. Test methods
shown by a competent and independent third party as giving equivalent results may also be
used.
Criterion 4 – Emissions
(a) Emissions to water
Rinsing water containing silver from film processing, as well as from plate production, and
photo-chemicals shall not be discharged to a sewage treatment plant.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with
this criterion, together with a description of the management of photo-chemicals and silver
containing rinsing water on site. Where the film processing and/or the plate production are
outsourced, the sub-contractor shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion,
Deleted: The
EN 24 EN
together with a description of the management of photo-chemicals and silver containing
rinsing water at the subcontractors.
In Rotogravure printing, the amount of Cr and Cu discharged into a sewage treatment plant
must not exceed, respectively, 45 mg per m2 and 400 mg per m
2 of printing cylinder surface
area used in the press.
Assessment and verification: discharges of Cr and Cu into the sewage shall be checked at
rotogravure printing plants after treatment and before their release. A representative sample
of Cr and Cu discharges shall be collected each month. At least one annual analytical test
shall be carried out by an accredited laboratory to determine the content of Cr and Cu in a
representative sub-sample of these samples. Compliance with this criterion shall be assessed
by dividing the content of Cr and Cu, as determined by the annual analytical test, by the
cylinder surface used in the press during the printing. The cylinder surface used in the press
during printing is calculated by multiplying the cylinder surface (= 2πrL, where r is the
radius and L the length of the cylinder) by the number of printing productions during a year
(= number of different printing jobs). The reference test methods are for Cr: EN ISO 11885
(Water quality. Determination of selected elements by inductively coupled plasma optical
emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and EN 1233 (Water quality. Determination of chromium.
Atomic absorption spectrometric methods), and for Cu: EN ISO 11885 (Water quality.
Determination of selected elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission
spectrometry (ICP-OES).
(b) Emissions to air
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
The following criterion must be met:
(PVOC – RVOC )/Ppaper < 5 [kg/tonnes]
Where:
PVOC = the annual total kilograms of VOC contained in the purchased chemical products used
for the annual total production of converted products
RVOC = the annual total kilograms of VOC destroyed by abatement, recovered from printing
processes and sold, or reused
Ppaper = the annual total tonnes of paper purchased and used for the production of converted
products.
Where a printing house uses different printing technologies, this criterion shall be fulfilled for
each one separately.
The PVOC term shall be calculated from SDS information related to VOC content or from an
equivalent declaration provided by the supplier of chemical products.
The RVOC term shall be calculated from the declaration on the content of VOC contained in
the chemical products sold or from the internal counting register (or any other equivalent
document) reporting the annual amount of VOC recovered and reused on site.
Specific conditions for heat-set printing:
(i) For heat-set offset printing with an integrated after-burner unit in place for the drying unit,
the following calculation method shall apply:
PVOC = 90 % of the annual total kilograms of VOC contained in damping solutions used for
the annual production of converted products + 85 % of the annual total kilograms of VOC
contained in washing agents used for the annual production of converted products.
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(ii) For heat-set offset printing, without an integrated after-burner unit in place for the drying
unit, the following calculation method shall apply:
PVOC = 90 % of the annual total kilograms of VOC contained in damping solutions used for
the annual production of converted products + 85 % of the annual total kilograms of VOC
contained in washing agents used for the annual production of converted products + 10 % of
annual total kilograms of VOC contained in the printing inks used for the annual production
of converted products.
For (i) and (ii), proportionately lower percentages than 90 % and 85 % may be used in this
calculation if more than 10 % or 15 % respectively of annual total kilograms of VOC
contained in the damping solutions or washing agents used for the annual production of
converted products are shown to be abated in the treatment system for combusting gases from
the drying process.
Where a printing house uses different printing technologies, this criterion shall be fulfilled for
each one separately.
The PVOC term shall be calculated from SDS information related to VOC content or from an
equivalent declaration provided by the supplier of chemical products.
The RVOC term shall be calculated from the declaration on the content of VOC contained in
the chemical products sold or from the internal counting register (or any other equivalent
document) reporting the annual amount of VOC recovered and reused on site.
Assessment and verification: a declaration of the VOC content in alcohols, washing agents,
inks, damping solutions or other corresponding chemical products shall be provided by the
chemical supplier. The applicant shall provide evidence of the calculation according to the
criteria laid down above. The period for the calculations shall be based on the production
during 12 months. In case of a new or a rebuilt production plant, the calculations shall be
based on at least 3 months of representative running of the plant.
Criterion 5 – Waste
(a) Waste management
The facility where the converted paper products are produced shall have in place a system for
handling waste, including residual products derived from the production of the converted
paper products, as defined by local and national relevant regulatory authorities.
The system shall be documented or explained and shall include information on at least the
following procedures:
(i) handling, collection, separation and use of recyclable materials from the waste
stream,
(ii) precovery of materials for other uses, such as incineration for raising process steam
or heating, or agricultural use,
(iii) handling, collection, separation and disposal of hazardous waste, as defined by the
relevant local and national regulatory authorities.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with
this criterion, together with a description of the procedures adopted for waste management.
Where appropriate, the applicant shall provide the corresponding declaration to the local
authority every year. Where the waste management is outsourced, the sub-contractor shall
provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion as well.
(b) Waste paper
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The amount of waste paper ‘X’ shall not exceed:
where,
20 % for envelopes
20 % for filing products
10 % for paper bags
where, X = annual kilos of waste paper produced during the converting (including finishing
processes) of the ecolabelled converted paper product, divided by annual tonnes of paper
purchased and used for the production of ecolabelled converted paper product.
Where the printing house carries out finishing processes on behalf of another printing house,
the amount of waste paper produced in those processes shall not be included in the calculation
of ‘X’.
Where the finishing processes are outsourced to another company, the amount of waste paper
resulting from the outsourced work shall be calculated and declared in the calculation of ‘X’.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a description of the calculation of
the amount of waste paper, together with a declaration from the contractor collecting the
waste paper from the printing house. The outsourcing terms and calculations on the amount
of paper waste involved in the finishing processes shall be provided. The period for the
calculations shall be based on the production during 12 months. In case of a new or a rebuilt
production plant, the calculations shall be based on at least 3 months of representative
running of the plant.
Criterion 6 – Energy use
The printing house shall establish a register of all energy consuming devices (including
machinery, lighting, air conditioning, cooling) and a programme consisting of measures for
improvement of energy efficiency.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide the register of energy consuming
devices together with the improvement programme.
Criterion 7 - Training
All members of staff participating in day to day operation shall be given the knowledge
necessary to ensure that the EU Ecolabel requirements are fulfilled and continuously
improved.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with
this criterion, together with details of the training programme, its content, and an indication
of which staff have received what training and when. The applicant shall provide to the
Competent Body also a sample of training material.
Criterion 8 – Fitness for use
The product shall be suitable for its purpose.
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide appropriate documentation in
compliance with this criterion. National or commercial standards, where relevant, may be
used by the applicant to prove the fitness for use of the converted paper products. For paper
carrier bags, the reference test method is EN 13590:2003.
Criterion 9 - Information on the paper carrier bags
The following information shall appear on the paper carrier bags:
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“Please reuse this bag”
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a sample layout of the paper carrier
bag bearing the information required.
Criterion 10 – Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel
The optional label with text box shall contain the following text:
– This product is recyclable
– Emissions of chemicals to air and water of paper production and printing and
converting processes have been limited
In order to avoid the risk of providing confusing messages to consumers between an EU
ecolabelled bag and its non EU ecolabelled contents, paper carrier bags shall be designed to
be open and to be filled either at the point of purchase or afterwards so that consumers
understand that the EU Ecolabel is only valid for the paper carrier bag, and not for the goods
added. The EU Ecolabel logo displayed on the bag shall bear the following text “EU
Ecolabelled paper carrier bag”.
The guidelines for the use of the optional label with the text box can be found in the
"Guidelines for the use of the EU Ecolabel logo" on the website:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/promo/pdf/logo%20guidelines.pdf
Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a sample of the converted paper
product showing the label, together with a declaration of compliance with this criterion.